Understanding what IS and is NOT an e-bike will help keep your child safe

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Electric-assist e-bikes are booming across the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD). Many bike racks are filling up, and the number of e-bikes ridden by students has grown significantly since just last spring. 

“The increase in e-bikes being used by students at our schools is significant; we’re seeing up to double the number of e-bikes as compared to last year, outnumbering traditional bicycles at many of our middle and high schools,” says Amy Thompson, BVSD Safe Routes to School Coordinator. 

“It’s important that students and parents understand the rules for safe riding and most importantly—when selecting an appropriate e-bike for your student—knowing what is and isn't a safe, appropriate and in many cases, legal option, based on the student’s age.”

“Our goal is not to discourage students from using e-mobility as it has many positive impacts for our students, the community, and the environment,” says Thompson. “But our top priority is student safety and e-bikes require a higher level of skill to ride safely.”

A parent's guide to e-bikes
While e-bikes offer exciting new transportation options, navigating the many choices can be overwhelming—especially since not all are appropriate for students under 16 years old. Choosing an e-bike that best suits your child’s skills and is legal for your child to ride, is a critical first step to keeping your student safe on an e-bike.

To help parents make informed decisions, we’ve partnered with Elorie Slater, a local bike shop owner, board member of Coalition 4 Cyclists, and former BVSD parent. Together, we’ve outlined some essential tips for understanding e-bike technology and how to improve your student’s safety on the road.

Is your child ready for an e-bike?
E-bikes can be great for longer commutes and carrying heavy backpacks, but your child should already be a proficient cyclist before using one. E-bikes are heavier, harder to maneuver, and can go twice as fast as conventional bikes. For comparison, a typical 14-year-old rides a traditional bicycle at around 10 mph, while e-bikes can assist up to 20 mph or more.

Before riding an e-bike, students should have strong bike-handling skills, an understanding of traffic laws, and the maturity to make safe decisions on roads and paths.

What qualifies as an e-bike?

E-bikes are classified into three main categories:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum assisted speed of 20 miles per hour.
• Class 2: Also limited to 20 miles per hour but equipped with throttle assist.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum assisted speed of 28 miles per hour. Operators must be 16 or older.

What is not an e-bike?  If the motor exceeds 750 watts and assists higher than 28 miles per hour, it is no longer considered an e-bike. Those would be classified as a low-power scooter or a motorcycle that requires a driver’s license.

Blurred Definitions
While e-bikes are typically sold as Class 1, 2, or 3, many models come with settings that can make them illegal on certain paths or trails. For example, some "Class 2" e-bikes can be switched to an "off-road" mode, turning them into a low-power scooter capable of reaching 35 mph.

“This can be confusing for parents, as these features are often marketed directly to students,” says Elorie Slater.

Elorie sees a lot of these products being brought into her shop for repairs and her concern is that they are not appropriate for kids, and parents may not realize the vehicles’ features and where they can be legally ridden.
Take the popular Super73 Adventure Series SE, which can shift into “off-road” mode, allowing speeds above 28 mph—legal only for riders 16 and older. Another example is the Core 2.0 Bundle, which starts as a Class 2 but can be switched into "Sport Mode," exceeding 35 mph. Another classification are “toy vehicles” that are often marketed as e-bikes. Surron USA markets a product called a “mid-drive electric bike” that is meant for off-road use only. It is not street legal as a motorcycle and it is exceeds the speed and power limits to be considered an e-bike.

Where can e-bikes be used?
Generally, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes can be used on multi-use paths, bike lanes, streets, and some sidewalks.  It varies by municipality where different types of e-mobility devices are permitted, so be sure to check your local city resources. 

More information and examples of appropriate usage spaces can be found on the City of Boulder’s e-mircobility webpage.

Appropriate Speeds
All bicycles, whether they are electric-assisted or not, must abide by the following speed limits:

• 15 mph or less on multi-use paths
• 8 mph or less in crosswalks
• Pedestrian speeds on sidewalks
• Bicycles must also obey posted speed limits on streets

Other Safety Considerations

• A Class 1 e-bike is generally considered the best choice for students 16 and under.
• If you are considering a Class 2 e-bike, look carefully at all product specifications to make sure the bike cannot exceed 20 MPH with a throttle. 
•  If your student is riding tandem with other students, look at the product specifications for maximum weight allowance of the bike. Only use manufacturer approved foot pegs. Only carry one passenger per seat.  
• Make sure your student wears a helmet.
• Practice with your e-bike in a low-stress area, like an empty parking lot, before taking it out on the road. 
• Use white headlights and red taillights.
• E-bikes require more maintenance, get professional checks regularly.
• Follow the rules of the road: stop at stop signs and lights, yield at crosswalks, signal your turns, ride in the same direction as traffic.

E-bikes offer a convenient and efficient way for students to get to school and it is crucial for parents to understand the various classes, safety concerns, and legal requirements that come with this emerging trend. 

By ensuring your child is ready to handle the responsibility of an e-bike, choosing the right model, and staying informed about local regulations, you can help them enjoy the benefits of electric-assist mobility safely. Thoughtful choices today will set your student up for a safer and more enjoyable experience on the road tomorrow.

For more tips on general e-bike safety along with national and local resources from our partners, visit the BVSD E-Bike safety webpage.